Something we have been discussing for a bit at Tentmaker Music is what we call The Gatekeepers. The Gatekeepers are individuals (or a system) that make the music industry nearly impossible to break into unless you are willing to jump through their hoops or "play the game". Much of this is a driving force behind why we started Tentmaker Music. We know that there are some amazing bands and artists in the Christian underground that aren't getting the recognition they should and we have watched them grind for years. Sadly, one of the hoops people need to jump through is watering down their material or following the current trend. The industry has a way of shaping and molding artists into what they want and the artists end up sacrificing creative integrity to simply catch a break. Now, I am speaking in generalities and surely there are exceptions to the rule but they are few and far between.

While I was casually scrolling through Facebook the other day I came across some wise words from Matt Hanna. Matt is formally of the band Lastwatch and has experienced the realities of the industry first hand.

Here is what Matt had to say...

"After being In the music industry and seeing how it’s run mostly by bands having to act like they’re bigger than they are I get a good hearty chuckle out of spotting it now.

Be humble. Act your wage.

It’s an impossible industry with impossible to reach goals. I get that everyone wants to be the next Skillet or RED, but there’s a reason nobody has been able to get to that level in 10 years now...

Wanna pay 10 grand to tour with a bigger band and get nowhere? Cool. 👍

Wanna pay 50 grand for a top ten single on secular radio? Cool.

Wanna hop on a tour with 10 other bands because nobody is pulling numbers? Cool.

Wanna pay to win an award? Cool.

Dead industry is dead.

Rant over. Sorry if this offends anyone but it’s the truth. Just tired of seeing people getting destroyed over the industry which is collapsing in on itself. Secular rock included. Maybe one day some young band is gonna figure out a way around this with some sort of new fresh “build” that sticks it to the labels.

We shall see. Dare to be different. Be unique. But seriously, engage your fans, stay humble."

In-conclusion, we at Tentmaker Music believe that in this day in age it is possible to play by a new set of rules. The reality is, The Gatekeepers only have power if we continue to give it to them. It's a new day, and there are ways to get your music out in front of people without having to compromise your message or your sound. Let's strive for excellence, and make music with the intention of bringing glory to God, may He be our audience and our standard. Tentmaker Music hopes to be a part of that new "build" Matt mentioned. It's a grind but it doesn't have to be for not and your labor doesn't have to be in vain. There is so much more and the time is now. Let's Get It!

Though Lastwatch is no longer together you can check out their music on Spotify (https://spoti.fi/2SwbWth) and all other major digital outlets. I really enjoy their music and it's for sure worth checking out!